The Bushmaster Protected Mobility vehicle, manufactured by Thales in Australia, was recently presented to representatives of the Czech Ministry of Defence, Army and General Staff on site at the facility of Czech company, VOP CZ s.p. The event, entitled ‘Bushmaster Days,’ served as an opportunity for VOP CZ to showcase how the Bushmaster can address the Czech Armed Forces protected mobility requirements with proven protection and survivability. Supported by VOP CZ and Thales Australia staff during the two-day event, attendees experienced the Bushmaster’s manoeuvrability, at the VOP test track, as well as the flexibility of payload and passenger configurations. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to see the unique V-shaped hull of the Bushmaster that maximises crew protection from explosive devices like IEDs. In addition to the military application of the Bushmaster, it’s excellence in safety and ability to bolster defence capabilities was demonstrated to those in attendance.

As VOP CZ looks to solidify its position as a pivotal player in the regional delivery and servicing of these vehicles, its collaboration with Thales marks a significant step towards enhancing defence infrastructure and capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe. VOP CZ, is an enterprise fully owned by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic which specialises in military technology, machine production and development. Thales Australia has a teaming Agreement with VOP s.p. to progress cooperation on the supply of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to the Czech Armed Forces. VOP CZ has been operating for more than 77 years and employs more than 600 people with extensive experience in the field of production and service of military equipment. VOP CZ, s.p. is an enterprise fully owned by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and specialises in military technology, machine production and development.

“This is a truly exciting opportunity for Thales Australia to demonstrate the performance of the Bushmaster, which has a proven track record of protecting and saving lives over the last 20 years,” said Julie Bown, Vice President Vehicles & Tactical Systems at Thales Australia & New Zealand.

“In the future, we would like to become the centre of delivery and support for Bushmaster vehicles in the Central and Eastern European region. Thanks to this important project, we would also increase our workforce in areas of production, service and development, which is a real opportunity for our region and a promise of work for the future,” said interim director Martin Šturala, VOP CZ s.p.

The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle or Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian-built four-wheel drive armoured vehicle. The Bushmaster was primarily designed by the then government-owned Australian Defence Industries (ADI), and is currently produced by Thales Australia following their acquisition of ADI. The Bushmaster vehicles have been deployed by nine armies in conflict zones including Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, and recently Ukraine. Over 1,200 vehicles have been manufactured by Thales in Australia with various modifications and variants, ranging from troop carrier, ambulance, route clearance, electronic warfare and mortar variants. Additionally, the vehicle’s versatility is underscored by its compatibility for transport in C-390 Millennium or C-130 Hercules aircraft. The Bushmaster is currently in service with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Netherlands Army, British Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Indonesian Army, Fiji Infantry Regiment, Jamaica Defence Force, New Zealand Army and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.